UK: Blair wants ALL citizens in DNA bank The use of the new powers has proved
controversial. Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported
that a grandmother who was arrested after a dispute with a
neighbour was required to give a DNA sample. The case was later
dropped for lack of evidence but her DNA will remain on the
database.
The UK has the largest database in the world and is drawing
attention from countries throughout Europe keen to learn from its
experience.
Damian Green, the Conservative's home affairs spokesman, accused
Mr Blair of making "policy on the hoof" without
thinking through the implicahttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/10/24/ndna24.xml

Every American's DNA Registered in vast databank Brimming with the genetic patterns of
more than 3 million Americans, the nation's databank of DNA
"fingerprints" is growing by more than 80,000 people
every month, giving police an unprecedented crime-fighting tool
but prompting warnings that the expansion threatens
constitutional privacy protections.Now some in law enforcement are calling
for * a national registry of every
American's DNA profile, *
against which police could instantly compare crime-scene
specimens. Advocates say the system would dissuade many would-be
criminals and help capture the restBut opponents say that the growing use of
DNA scans is making suspects out of many law-abiding Americans
and turning the "innocent until proven
guilty" maxim on its head.
"These databases are starting to look more like a
surveillance tool than a tool for criminal
investigation," said Tania Simoncelli of the American Civil
Liberties Union in New York
In particular, it is about the limits of the Fourth Amendment,
which protects people from being swept into criminal
investigations unless there is good reason to suspect they have
broken the law.
Once someone's DNA code is in the federal database, critics say,
that person is effectively treated as a suspect every time a
match with a crime-scene specimen is sought -- even though there
is no reason to believe that the person committed the crime

Such concerns are amplified by fears that, in
time, authorities will try to obtain information from stored DNA
beyond the unique personal identifiers.
"Genetic material is a very powerful identifier, but it also
happens to carry a heck of a lot of information about you,"
said Jim Harper, director of information policy at the Cato
Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington concerned about
DNA database trends.Even more controversial are DNA dragnets, which
snare many people for whom there is no evidence of guilt. Given
questions about whether such sweeps can be truly voluntary --
"You know that whoever doesn't participate is going to
become a 'person of interest,' " said Rose of the ACLU --
some think they violate the Fourth Amendment

In one of many errors documented by Thompson, a years-old
crime-scene specimen was found to match the DNA from a juvenile
offender, leading police to suspect the teenager until they
realized he was a baby at the time of the crime. The teenager's
blood, it turned out, had been processed in the lab the same day
as an older specimen was being analyzed, and one contaminated the
other.
"A universal database will bring us more wrongful arrests
and possibly more wrongful convictions," said Simoncelli of
the ACLU.Under the broad-ranging bill, DNA profiles
provided voluntarily, for example, in a dragnet, would for the
first time become a permanent part of the national database.
People arrested would lose the right to expunge their samples if
they were exonerated or charges were dropped. And the government
could take DNA from citizens not arrested but simply detained.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/02/AR2006060201648_pf.html

NYC
Mayor Bloomberg wants DNA database on workers Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg thrust himself into the
national immigration debate Wednesday, advocating a plan that
would establish a DNA or fingerprint database to track and verify
all legal U.S. workersBloomberg compared his proposed federal identification
database to the Social Security card, insisting that such a
system would not violate citizens' privacy and was not a civil
liberties issue.

The mayor said DNA and fingerprint technology could be used to
create a worker ID database that will "uniquely identify the
person" applying for a job, ensuring that cards are not
illegally transferred or forged.
Donna Lieberman, director of the New York Civil Liberties Union,
said a DNA or fingerprint database "doesn't sound like the
free society we think we're living in."
"It will inevitably be used not just by employers but by law
enforcement, government agencies, schools and all over the
private sector," she said.http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/05/24/D8HQE6B80.html

cell-based vaccines We are accelerating efforts to develop the next
generation of vaccine technology,'' McClellan said yesterday.
``That means using cell-based techniques versus the
egg-based, because we believe that if we can move to
the cell-based technique, we have the manufacturing capacity to
be able to mass produce that vaccine quickly.''http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000082&sid=a4uxg6Q.wwgI&refer=canada

DNA vaccines Their technique: extract just a few genes from
the virus and inject it into people.
The nascent technology, called DNA vaccines,
is a form of gene therapy that proponents argue
is the best way to overhaul a 50-year-old vaccine manufacturing
systemMost government and big pharma efforts on the
influenza vaccine front are doing one thing new: They're seeking
to shave a few weeks off the process by trading in the chicken
eggs for mammal cells, the standard
brewing technique used to make biotechnology drugs

Under the current system, the three flu bug versions that
are expected to be the coming season's most prevalent strains are
injected in chicken eggs to multiply before undergoing a long
process of inactivation, sterilization and packagingFlu also is the only vaccine made fresh every year because
the virus mutates so rapidly. Because vaccines are biological
products, not chemicals, they can't be cranked out quickly in
times of need

DNA vaccines were first introduced about 10 years ago as a
possible treatment for a variety of diseases, from AIDS to
cancer. They worked great in mice, but largely failed to work in
humans because the injected genes did not find their way into
the cells

Vijay Samant, chief executive of Vical Inc. in San Diego,
said those initial problems have been overcome and his company is
testing DNA vaccines in cancer and AIDS patients
to battle those diseases

PowderMed overcame the problem of getting the flu's DNA to
cells that need to be tricked into thinking the body has been
infected with flu by coating the flu's genetic material with
microscopic gold particles and shooting it into skin cells at
the speed of sound, said PowderMed's chief scientist Dr. John
Beadlehttp://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-10-30-dnavaccines_x.htm

National DNA Database CODIS The measure, which has drawn fire from civil
libertarians, has passed the U.S. House. It would represent a
dramatic expansion of the nation's DNA database, which has about
2.6 million genetic profiles. So far, database efforts have
focused mostly on collecting DNA from those convicted of serious
crimes, so the profiles can be compared with DNA found in blood,
semen and other biological evidence from crime scenesSupporters of the Senate bill say it would
improve the ability of
the national database  known as the Combined DNAIndex System, or CODIS  to help
solve crimes. Since 1991, CODIS computers have matched DNA
profiles in the database to those from crime scenes in more than
27,000 cases, the FBI says.http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20051003/a_dna03.art.htm

"Gene
chip" Microarrays are silicon chips that contain
tightly ordered selections of genetic material upon which sample
material can be tested. When DNA bases from a sample bind to
complementary sequences on the microarray, they cause fluorescent
tags to shine under laser light. This is a signal that a
particular gene variation is present in the sample.

We can test DNA from peripheral blood and from the tumor,
and we should see a loss of signal in the cancer, said Dr.
Fortina. He noted that the researchers can simultaneously
evaluate seven chromosomal regions known to be involved in
neuroblastomahttp://i-newswire.com/pr40776.html
Scientists call for Global DNA database He said new laws affecting decisions on whose DNA
information was entered into the criminal database also concerned
him. Previously only people convicted of a recordable offence
went on the database. Now, "if you are taken to a police
station in the context of a police investigation, the police have
a right to demand a DNA test from you, and that profile will go
on the database and stay there. That is a potentially
serious infringement of civil liberties."
Another area the police are interested in is rummaging around in
DNA variation that tells you about the physical appearance of a
person - ethnic origin, hair colour, eye colour, stature, facial
appearance," he said. "I regard that as a massive
infringement of genetic privacy."
On a more positive note, he described how making DNA fingerprints
would become easier and cheaper. "There's a great deal of
talk about a lab on a chip," he said. "People are now
looking at ... miniaturising the whole process."
Speeding up DNA fingerprinting would lead to many new
applications, not least in security. Instead of typing in a
credit card pin number at the supermarket, people might just give
a DNA sample. Spitting on a DNA testing chip at the checkout, he
joked, might be the way people pay for their groceries in future.http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1456597,00.htmlrms

Labs
selling DNA assestments
monitor = controlSEATTLE - The boxes arrive in the mail by the dozens each
day and are stacked in neat rows in the laboratory. Inside are swabs
of the inside cheek, drops of blood, material that the
senders hope will give them a peek at the life they have been
dealt by their genes.
Over the next few weeks, Genelex Corp.
technician Dascena Vincent and her colleagues here will conduct
what they call a nutritional genetic assessment, analyzing
the DNA samples for certain deficiencies.
Problems in the genes that handle dietary fats? That could put
you at risk for heart disease. Trouble with those that help rid
your body of toxins like smoke? Cancer could be an issue later in
life. And how about those associated with metabolizing vitamin D?
Be watchful for signs of deteriorating bone strength.

Based on the findings, the company provides recommendations on
diet, lifestyle changes and categories of medications
that might work best for an individual. Depending on how many
tests the customer has ordered, the bill -- which typically isn't
covered by insurance -- could be $400 or more.

The critics emphasize that there's no clear research that
shows the tests are any better at predicting future
health problems than a simple survey of family
history combined with ordinary lab workups.The human body's blueprint is made up of between 20,000
and 25,000 genes. Every person has two copies of each gene, one
inherited from each parent. Genelex's nutrition test looks at 19
of these pairs, most of which are involved in how the body
handles substances such as vitamins.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7410891/rms

DNA
Verification -- ChoicePoint; CODIS; Database Technologieshttp://www.stevequayle.com/News.alert/04_Global/040910.DNA.htmlDNA
BioChips ; eBiochip Systems
Frauenhofer, Siemens and InfineonInfineon is working on incorporating the electronic DNA
biochips in very powerful desktop devices for diagnostics
applications. This will enable complex DNA analyses to be carried
out in medical practices, hospitals and other medical
institutions faster and more cost-effectively than in the past. http://www.physorg.com/news1174.html

DNA
IdentificationThe Bode
Technology Group performs DNA testing and
identification analysis on adaily basis for
federal and state agencies, as well as commercial
firms. The
Bode Technology Group provides DNA testing and identification
using short tandem repeats (STRs), a proven technology that is
widely accepted in the laboratory and courtroom. In addition,
Bode offers forensic analysis of DNA evidence,
evidence handling, pre-trial assistance, expert witness testimony
dna testing and mitochondrial DNA sequencing.http://www.choicepoint.net/choicepoint/l/dnatesting-g.htm

Europol
and DNA European nations to harmonize their legal systems, DNA
records, biometric travel documents and residence permits.
They also called for the European Community's police agency, Europol,
to get a significant increase in resources and technology, and
for national police forces to coordinate their
investigations of terrorist networks.
The meeting, the fifth in a series bringing together Britain,
France, Germany, Italy and Spain, was led by Britain's home
secretary, David BlunkettSchily also said there ought to be "a pooling of
information" in Europe so that police can have access to
each other's national fingerprint, forensic and other databases."Europol should be given extra powers in
that area," he added.Asked if a global DNA database might be on the
horizon, Blunkett replied: "I think it's
possible. But we have to act together in Europe first in order to
ask other people to cooperate with us."
Blunkett also predicted a "massive
expansion" in the use of DNA evidence over the
next five years.http://www.iht.com/articles/528260.html

ChoicePoint ... leading provider of identification and
credential verification servicesProID
Voice
.... a unique service that can authenticate consumers'
identities before granting them access to sensitive personal
information via the telephone"ProID Voice offers businesses a unique service that
can authenticate consumers' identities before
granting them access or privileges only available to a consumer
whose identity has been authenticated."http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040830/clm008_1.html

DNA Registry In a White Paper published
last year the Government asked the Human Genetics
Commission and the National
Screening Committee to consider the case for
screening every baby at birth and storing their genetic profile for future use.The study has been given £3 million by the
Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council to collect the
DNA from 25 thousand parents and children and build up immortalised
cell lines.ALSPAC now has the
biggest DNA bank from a carefully studied general population
anywhere in the world.As an increasing number of diseases are linked to
particular genes or gene sequences, we will be able to target
and tailor treatment better to offset their impact and even to avoid the onset of
ill-health many years in advance."http://www.news-medical.net/view_article.asp?id=1315

DNA
VERIFICATION..... Germany's
Infineon (IFX )A Whole New World of ChipsInnovative
packaging can even spur offbeat demand for chips. Applied Digital
Solutions (ADSX ) in Palm Beach, Fla., coats its
RFID (radio frequency identification) chips for humans with a
so-called bio-bond material that creates scar tissue when the
chip is injected into a person's upper arm. Thus, the chip
remains embedded in muscle and doesn't migrate through the body,
says Scott Silverman, ADS's chairman and CEO.AIRBORNE SENSORS. Chipmakers are experimenting with
plenty of other ideas. Infineon is already selling chips
that can help diagnose diseases or be used to verify DNA in crime investigations.
It
uses a special process to create
1 million pores, each one-tenth the diameter of a human hair, on
a piece of silicon that's one centimeter square. Once blood is
applied to the chip, genes that the test is intended to spot bind
to DNA strands attached to the pores' walls, says Infineon's
Weber. ......
Farfetched? You bet. But the most adventuresome chip innovators
have already learned that "there are no boundaries to
imagination," says Chuck Byers, director of worldwide brand
management at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM ). It's an attitude that could
lead to record revenues for chipmakers, higher sales for
electronics makers, and, for consumers, a better quality of life.
http://yahoo.businessweek.com:/print/technology/content/jan2004/tc20040121_4923_tc139.htm?tc

DNA and microchipThe final death toll
may change slightly, "but if we match the DNA tests of the
dead and their relatives, we will likely find that the missing
people are the unidentified dead," he said.
This is the world's first such integrated operation using the
world's best and latest technology and specialist expertise from
all over the world," said Australian police Inspector Jeff
Emery, who heads up the DVI information centre. http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=050111191340.prn92nns.xmlIsraelis develop DNA Computer --molecular computer "It is decades off, but future
generations of DNA computers could function as doctors inside
cells," researcher Ehud Shapiro of Israel's Weizmann
Institute of Science told Nature. Dr. Mauro Ferrari, a specialist
in nanotechnology (building products atom by atom) at
the National Cancer Institute, said of the research: "The
concept is to build something that does not require intervention
by a doctor. ... This is very exciting. ... It could allow the
killing of cancer at a very, very early stage."
Advocates say the biocomputers could do the work of physicians by
diagnosing disease within cells as well
as dispensing drugs as required.

DNA VERIFICATION..... Germany's
Infineon (IFX )A Whole New World of Chips--Jan.
21, 2004Ed. Note: They never say
"VeriChip" or "VeriPay" in the following
article.
Will the chip receive the NAME
of the ac beast
?
The number-mark of the ac beast's name is mentioned four
times in the Book of Revelation :

Revelation 13:17
"And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the
mark, or the
name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Revelation 14:11 " and whosoever receiveth the mark of
his name"

Revelation 15:2 --"the number of his name."
Blood-vessel authentication
Japans largest credit card issuer and acquirer JCB has
introduced a fingertip blood vessel pattern
authentication
system that combines payment authentication with access control.
The multifunctional system is designed to allow residents to open
doors and pay for purchases by placing one finger in an
infrared reader.

The VA blood vessel authentication technology is developed by
domestic supplier Bionics. According to the
company, blood
vessel patterns are genetically determined, and are unique to the
individual.
The authentication process is relatively simple; one
finger is placed in the reader and an image of the blood vessel
pattern is
taken by CCD camera under infrared light. This image is compared
with a pre-enrolled pattern for identification.

Mr. Omoto, executive vice president and general manager of
JCBs Advanced Technologies Department, commented: JCB
is actively engaging in efforts to integrate
biometrics technology into payment systems. We have
already announced
an initiative for using fingerprint authorisation
devices in mobile phones, and the launch of this payment system
using finger
blood vessel pattern authentication is our next advance. In order
to maintain a high rate of progress we will be continuing
to integrate advanced technology with payment systems.http://www.compseconline.com/analysis/040308bloodvessel.htmlFDA proposes bar codes to prevent
medical mistakeshttp://www.washtimes.com/business/20030314-75634516.htm

Chip is for security, financial ID
and safetyThe Company has advised the FDA it is not
marketing the VeriChip as a medical device or for medical
applications. At the same time, the Company has begun marketing
efforts for VeriChip for security, financial, and
identification/safety applications pursuant to the FDA's October
17, 2002 ruling that VeriChip is not a regulated medical device
for those applications. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021119/192727_1.html